MAN DG, Ajayi-Kadir wades into Dangote Refinery, NMDPRA’s rift

Ajayi-Kadir said, “No regulatory agency should be seen to be casting a shadow over a homegrown investment like the Dangote Refinery”

By Kehinde Okeowo

The Director-General of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Segun Ajayi-Kadir has urged the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), and other regulators in the country to stop demarketing Dangote Refinery and other Indigenous companies.

He gave the advice in a statement he made available to newsmen while reacting to the feud between Dangote Refinery and NMDPRA.

Last week, the Chief Executive Officer of NMDPRA, Farouk Ahmed stated that diesel from the Dangote refinery is inferior compared to imported ones.

He went on to add that the refinery is yet to be commissioned and kicked against the monopolistic tendency of the firm.

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Responding to the allegations, the Chairman of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote dismissed Ahmed’s statement.

He further added that diesel and other petroleum products from his refinery were of high quality.

Reacting to the imbroglio, Ajayi-Kadir said NMDPRA should be promoting enabling business environment for local investments in Nigeria.  

Addressing the rift, the DG said, “It is expected that agencies of government, that provide regulatory oversight functions, should promote an enabling business environment for local investments to thrive.

“No regulatory agency should be seen to be casting a shadow over a homegrown investment like the Dangote Refinery.

“The allegations of poor quality, monopolistic tendencies and non-issuance of license have since been roundly debunked.

“There may then be the need to issue a clarification that absolves the Dangote Refinery of the negative perception generated by the news report.”

Meanwhile, the Senate, the House of Representatives and Minister of Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri have all waded into the dispute between Dangote Refinery and NMDPRA.

Specifically, the House Committee on Midstream and Downstream said it has commenced an investigation into the matter.

Prior to this, Lokpobiri had summoned a meeting with Dangote, Ahmed and the Group CEO of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari to resolve the crisis rocking the sector.